Reflections on the week - Saturday June 26th, 2021

Yesterday was our driving day back to San Pedro Sula from Tocoa, so I did not write a blog last night.  We left Tocoa at around 9am and arrived in San Pedro Sula at a hotel at shortly before 5pm.  It’s a long drive and I’m always thankful for the short little bathroom breaks to stretch my legs and my body!!  The van can be tight with a larger group!!  

We had our traditional team dinner later in the evening after cleaning up and resting for a bit.  It is always a pleasure to spend time with our translators socially.  They are truly an integral part of our team and we could not do what we do without them.  They are truly amazing, willing and caring people.  Milton our team coordinator is an incredible person to work with.  He is compassionate, organized, and fun to work with.  He has to manage so many moving pieces and does an amazing job at it. 

At the end of the trip, I like to spend time reflecting on these questions:

- What are the top 3 things I will miss from my mission experience?

The people of La Ceibita and Tocoa, their passion for Christ and care and concern for each other.  Having this bonding experience with my youngest daughter.  Last but not least and probably the most important - the blessing of being able to put away my list of things to do at home, and focus on other people all week long.  

- What are the top 3 things I am most thankful for at home?

Food, without question or concern about where it is coming from and when, on my table.  A clean, health home filled with people I care about.  Being honest here - being able to flush the toilet paper!!  LOL 

- What is one thing I want to remember from this experience?

The impact of Nixon and his twin brothers and the realization that I can’t fix everything.  Not that I ever thought I could, but I would always want to try.  Nixon’s family situation is complicated.  We can fix some things, we can do right by them and we will, but swooping in and taking over in our North American ways is not why we are here.  We are here to try to help provide a sustainable way of living, food and shelter, but most of all sharing the word of God with those we meet.  

- What do I feel that God was communicating to me during this experience?

This is a tough one because there are so many moments when I feel closer to God and that he is trying to teach me something.  But, I think the strongest pull I felt this week was learning to let go and let God.  Learning to leave the control to him and just be his mustard seed.  

- Who will I share with at home so that I can be accountable for continuing this growth?

Having had the chance to do this with Josie this week, I think she will be most likely the one I will be sharing with, but also the rest of my family at home and my own team that will be coming back in November 2021, and June 2022.  I know that the construction team in November will want to “get the work done” and that is part of who they are and its one reason we are going, but the real mission is the focus on the people and taking time to be with them.  I hope to share my experiences and help them learn these same lessons and for them to hold me accountable to it also.  Being the team leader, I think it will be a harder thing to do on mission. 

There is always more to reflect on and things to process as time goes on.  I pray that these thoughts and feelings and lessons learned will stay close to my heart.  

I live a blessed life, and want to share that with others.  I am thankful for this.

Amen!

Shelley B.  


Packing up the truck is like a game of Tetris!

The team enjoying each other’s company at a team celebration dinner.  







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